Do Gnats Come From Olive Trees?

Related Articles

Olive trees (Olea europaea) are native to the Mediterranean region, Africa, and Asia. These trees, considered invasive in some areas, grow in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Olive trees have fewer pest problems than most fruit trees, although improper growing conditions can increase the likelihood of infestations. Similar in appearance, both gnats and thrips may feed around olive trees, making it appear as if these bugs are coming from the trees.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats frequently damage houseplants, as well as other plants and trees that grow outdoors. These tiny insects reach a mature size around 1/9 inch long. The color can vary, ranging from black to orange or yellow. Darkwinged fungus gnats are some of the most common. Although fungus gnats mainly feed on fungi and decaying plant material, these insects can cause damage to plant roots.

Conditions

Olive trees need watering in areas with dry summers, but too much moisture in the soil increases the risk of fungal growth. Correcting drainage problems and avoiding over-watering near the trees can help remove the gnats’ food source. Too much mulch may also lead to the appearance of these gnats near olive trees, especially as the organic matter decays.

A300 mobile placeholder

Thrips

Some insects associated with damage in olive trees include borers, nematodes and thrips. Among these likely pests, thrips may resemble gnats, especially the adults. Like gnats, adult thrips are often black and tiny, growing to a mature size around 1/20 inch long. These insects tend to feed on buds and shoot tips, often causing serious injury to the developing fruit. Too much water and nitrogen fertilizer increases the likelihood of thrips.

Pesticides

Oil inside the olives tends to retain the odor of chemical treatments, making it important to use mechanical means of pest control whenever possible. Because both fungus gnats and thrips thrive in damp conditions, providing good drainage around olive trees may help reduce the need for chemical treatments. Removing dead vegetation, including fruit drop and broken limbs, from below the trees also helps reduce the risk of pests and disease.

Photo Credits

Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images

About the Author

Laura Wallace Henderson, a professional freelance writer, began writing in 1989. Her articles appear online at Biz Mojo, Walden University and various other websites. She has served as the co-editor for "Kansas Women: Focus on Health." She continues to empower and encourage women everywhere by promoting health, career growth and business management skills.